West Brom complete £4m deal for defender to replace Jonny Evans

West Bromwich Albion have completed the signing of English defender Kyle Bartley from Swansea for £4 million.

The English defender has signed a three-year deal, and this is West Brom’s second signing of the summer, after the recently relegated side clinched the signature of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Manchester United, paying £7 million to the Red Devils in the process.

Bartley has been brought in as a replacement for Jonny Evans after the Northern Irish defender triggered his relegation release clause to sign for Leicester City. Evans was sold for £3.5 million, meaning the Baggies have made a loss by replacing Evans with 27-year-old Bartley. Gareth McAuley had also been released by West Brom, so defensive reinforcement was certainly needed.

Since signing, Bartley has told West Brom’s official website : ‘After speaking with Darren (Moore) I knew this was the place I wanted to be. He let me know his ideas for the season and the next few years, his ambitions for the club and he told me about the fan base and the facilities. I’m hoping to be involved quickly.’

Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley have, as mentioned earlier, left the club and it looks like Craig Dawson could be on the way out with them. Burnley are very much interested in the defender but West Brom have stated that they will not accept any offer under £20 million.

After capturing the signature of Bartley, West Brom manager Darren Moore has had his say: ‘I’m absolutely delighted Kyle has joined us. He’s got great presence about him and I am looking forward to working with him.’